HI, REGINA!
I had a really bad acne spell recently and while it’s completely healed, the pimples left behind some dark spots. Is there any way I can make them go away faster?
JANE
Post-infammatory hyperpigmentation — which is what those dark spots are — is such a huge hassle. As if it wasn’t bad enough that we had to get zits, they have to leave discolorations in their place? Sigh. We’ve all been there, so I know how you feel.
The best thing you can do is to make sure you continue to cleanse thoroughly (but gently! No harsh cleansers!), morning and night, just to make sure your skin stays clean and clear, and then use a brightening or spot-correcting serum. I saw really fast results with Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, a serum that contains Activated C (vitamin C’s a known brightener — it helps prevent the further formation of new discolorations), white birch extract (which pumps skin with hydration and nutrients that help it repair faster), and peony extract (which, paired with Activated C, amps up the evening out process).
After a particularly bad spell of stress-induced acne that I didn’t have the patience to see my derma for — resulting in really bad discoloration because I never learn my lesson — I used the Kiehl’s serum morning and night. Within a week, the spots were already considerably lighter. It may be a bit pricey, but you don’t need more than a few drops for your whole face, and it’s as fast-acting as the bottle says it is. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, and for those concerned about parabens and irritants, it’s paraben-, colorant- and fragrance-free.
If it’s out of your price range, though, keep an eye out for other serums that contain vitamin C; they should work fine, too.
You may have to give your skin at least a few weeks to turn over, though, so be patient. If you really can’t stand the way the marks look and need to step out of the house, then cover them up with a concealer that perfectly matches your skintone. (Pick a non-brightening concealer; brightening ones are typically for the under-eye area and contain optical diffusers to make an area look more luminous — you don’t need that for spot correction.)
REGINA
Fashion for top-heavy women
DEAR RISSA,
I read last week the advice you gave for women with wide hips. Can you also give advice for top-heavy women like me? What should I consider wearing? And what should I avoid so I don’t end up looking even bulkier? I sometimes really get too conscious about my upper body.
ANTONIA
For top-heavy women, a light top worn over a dark bottom is your worst enemy. When it comes to color, opt for dark colors for your tops. Keep in mind that dark colors make big areas look smaller. For the workplace, opt for single-breasted style jackets and make sure the jacket can be worn comfortably closed and open. Try going for collarless jackets. Small to medium collars are okay, but avoid jackets with pockets on the breast area. The less detail on your bust, the less attention you’ll attract to it. A jacket with thin vertical stripes helps downplay your size. Your best fabrics are flat like jerseys and crepes. Those with some dimension like mohair and wool will only make you look bigger. Lastly, and most importantly, do spend as much time finding the right bra. Try shopping for the right bra at Rustan’s and Marks & Spencer where the staff is well-trained to ensure you get the undergarment with the proper fit. It can make a world of difference.
RISSA
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Getting all dolled-up without too much makeup
DEAR LUCY,
I am attending a morning wedding. My boyfriend says his pet peeve is seeing someone so powdered and madeup during the day. He says I am at my most beautiful when I have no makeup, my skin flushed and ruddy. But I cannot attend the wedding bare-faced! I am part of the entourage, I should have powder and blush on.
I would like to achieve a look that is very natural. Help me find the right products? I have clear skin, I use minimal foundation daily for work.
Also, how do I wear an all-lace dress so that it will look current, not costume-y, dated, or grandma-ish?
ANISSA
Your boyfriend has a point. There is no need to pile on foundation if you have good, clear skin to begin with. For a very natural look, try these Chanel products that I am so loving now. The CC cream makes skin look flawless and so even, but if you want a bit more coverage try the Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth-Effect makeup. My new favorite is the CC cream though. I am told that the reason why the Chanel CC Cream works so well is because it soothes sensitive skin, it contains hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain hydration levels by trapping and retaining moisture all day long. More, it has SPF 30 and an active ingredient called Rejuvencia that protects against external stressors, aside from the fact that it makes skin look flawless. I like using my fingers to apply it, I find that it looks more natural that way. Set with a very light dusting of loose powder. For a nice flush, try the powder blush in a shade called Compliment (95). I think it is beautiful, especially on fair skin — subtle but really pretty. Don’t use harsh eye makeup. Stick to neutrals, and to define eyes, use grays and browns. If you do use black, be sure to smudge it. Check out the Multi-effect Quadra eyeshadow in 228 Tisse’ Cambon. Curl lashes. A little trick: I use the gold pencil from Benefit called Gilded for the inner rim of my lower eyelid. It will make for a wide-eyed, young, and fresh look.
When wearing a lace dress, try to use accessories that will not add to the saccharine sweetness. Don’t use dainty jewellery. If you have long hair, don’t put it upon a bun, neither should you have it curled tightly, like Goldilocks in the storybooks of our childhood. Avoid pearls. Maybe use shoes in an unexpected pop of colour. Don’t make your look predictable, have fun with it.
Enjoy getting all dolled up for the wedding you are attending, Anissa!
LUCY
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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.